Cutting screen on exo terra habitat

I have the 18 x 36 x 24 exo terra habitat. I am thinking the screen top is blocking too much of the 36 inch Repti Sun 10.v light and even it's not, it would better to not have the screen as it is so high up. I can remove the top completely, but not sure if that will be bad for the structural integrity. Also, the Repti sun if bumped could fall down into the tank that the top with cross brace prevents. The other option is to cut the screen and just leave the holes. Has anyone done this? I don't see anything being able to get out but the tops are like $50 if I need to replace it. Thanks for opinions.

If you don't have any other animals in the house you could remove it. I leave the top off of mine and just suspend the lights above the tank on adjustable lamp stands. You could build a cross piece to hold the UVB light easily enough too. The 36'' should be able to reach across the top without help but a cross piece in the center is a good idea.

No other animals that could get to the tank. I just think it would do better with the 2 foot height to have it open. Might do the crossbar instead of the top so I don't have to cut it up so I can put it back on if I ever need it for something else.

I'd remove the mesh lid and toss it in the trash bin, replace it with a solid MDF or plywood or melamine lid (easy to mount lights under and will help keep the temperatures right while using smaller wattage basking globes and CHEs).

ventilation is easy using cupboard vents.

kingofnobbys":3s7ne86n said:

I'd remove the mesh lid and toss it in the trash bin, replace it with a solid MDF or plywood or melamine lid (easy to mount lights under and will help keep the temperatures right while using smaller wattage basking globes and CHEs).

ventilation is easy using cupboard vents.

Click to expand...

I am not very constructive but i love your idea..I have that same tank..I hate having the ubv ontop of the fine mesh..Can you please tell me how to make a new cover that won't interfer with the doors on the front? If i can fix this i think my setup is pretty darn good..Thank you

Justin1026":1btks7f2 said:

kingofnobbys":1btks7f2 said:

I'd remove the mesh lid and toss it in the trash bin, replace it with a solid MDF or plywood or melamine lid (easy to mount lights under and will help keep the temperatures right while using smaller wattage basking globes and CHEs).

ventilation is easy using cupboard vents.

Click to expand...

I am not very constructive but i love your idea..I have that same tank..I hate having the ubv ontop of the fine mesh..Can you please tell me how to make a new cover that won't interfer with the doors on the front? If i can fix this i think my setup is pretty darn good..Thank you

Click to expand...

Well if you post some sketches with measurements .... I'll have a go at a solution for you.

if i forget this thread .... pm me/

I have an exo terra 36 x 18 x 36..my top was roached when I bought it
here is how I mounted my lighting...
just some options